Uganda’s aviation transformation under the current administration is not confined to Entebbe International Airport. Regional airports have become vital engines of growth, connecting communities, supporting tourism, and spreading the benefits of aviation across the country.
Director General Fred K. Bamwesigye highlighted this progress, saying, “Traffic at regional airports has grown significantly, with Arua, Mbarara, and Pakuba recording the highest increases. This demonstrates that aviation development is not limited to Entebbe but is reaching communities across Uganda.” His remarks underscored the administration’s commitment to balanced growth.
Statistics confirm this expansion. Arua’s traffic rose by 92 percent in 2024, Mbarara by 118 percent, and Pakuba by 52 percent. Overall, regional airports handled 39,626 passengers in 2024, up from 31,186 in 2023. These figures highlight the success of infrastructure improvements and the growing demand for regional connectivity.
Kisoro aerodrome has seen resurfacing of its runway, taxiway, and apron, with plans to construct a new terminal building and possibly extend the runway from 1,200 to 1,800 meters. Tourism stakeholders welcomed these developments. A representative from the Uganda Tourism Board noted, “Improved facilities at Kisoro directly support gorilla tourism. Visitors to Bwindi now have better access, and this strengthens Uganda’s position as a global destination.”
Other regional airports have also recorded growth. Gulu saw traffic rise by 36 percent, Soroti by 30 percent, and Tororo by 1 percent. Even smaller airports such as Jinja and Kasese maintained steady traffic, demonstrating the resilience of Uganda’s aviation network.
Safety initiatives have reinforced this progress. ISO 9001:2015 certification was awarded to UCAA, Entebbe International Airport, and upcountry aerodromes, covering a period of three years until June 2027. New security screening equipment has been deployed, and automated payment systems for car parking have been introduced. These measures ensure that regional airports meet international standards.
Stakeholders have praised these initiatives. A representative from the private sector noted, “Regional airports are critical for business. Improved facilities mean faster connections, and this supports trade and investment.”
Environmental sustainability has also been integrated into regional airport planning. Measures such as green procurement, air quality monitoring, and ICAO’s CORSIA carbon offsetting scheme have been adopted. These steps ensure that Uganda’s aviation growth is environmentally responsible.
The transformation of regional airports demonstrates that Uganda’s aviation industry is not only modernizing but also decentralizing. By spreading development across the country, the current administration has ensured that aviation benefits reach communities beyond the capital. This balanced approach strengthens Uganda’s aviation network and supports national development.
Uganda’s regional airports are now engines of growth, connecting communities, supporting tourism, and strengthening trade. Their transformation under the current administration reflects a vision of aviation as a national asset, not just a capital city privilege.
